The New York Empire and the New York Junior Tennis & Learning (NYJTL) are partnering for a first-of-its-kind event to kick off the 2019 World TeamTennis season.
On Sunday, July 14, ahead of its season opener against the San Diego Aviators, the Empire will host a pro-am event that will directly benefit the NYJTL, whose mission is to develop the character of young people through tennis and education for a lifetime of success on and off the court.
“This is an incredible opportunity for New York tennis fans to play with and against touring tennis professionals and Grand Slam winners,” Empire head coach Luke Jensen said.
“In addition, it benefits a great cause, and we as a team could not be more excited to partner with the NYJTL in this way.
“They do inspiring work in the New York City metro area bringing tennis to young people, and this fundraiser will assist them in bringing our great sport to as many communities in the area as possible.”
The event will begin starting at 12 noon with lunch with the pros, followed by a round-robin doubles format playing with and against all participating pros from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at the Cary Leeds Center for Tennis and Learning in the Bronx, which is both the home of the Empire and the flagship location of the NYJTL.
Participating pros include Grand Slam champion and current Empire Coach Luke Jensen, 2019 Empire team members John Isner, Kirsten Flipkens, María José Martínez Sánchez, Neal Skupski, and Ulises Blanch, plus former WTA doubles World No.1 and major winner Liezel Huber and more.
The day continues prior to the match, where attendees will have the opportunity to see both teams practice up close on court, and attend a VIP Player Party which includes drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and a Q&A with the Empire team and coach Jensen.
The Pro-Am fee is $5,000 and participation is limited to eight individuals, with the cost guaranteeing one playing spot in the pro-am, as well as lunch and an invitation to the VIP Player Party for two guests, two courtside VIP table seats or courtside box seats for the match, a photograph with the pros, and more.
“World TeamTennis is all about access, and this event promotes that ideal and message in more ways than one,” Jensen continued.
“It allows us to give fans a unique experience that they couldn’t get anywhere else, and that includes mingling with our stars prior to the match, and seeing them up close later on what’s sure to be an exciting season-opener against San Diego.
“In addition, the proceeds will help the next generation of tennis players get access to the resources they need to excel in our sport. It’s a win-win for all involved, and we can’t wait to be a part of it.”
This inaugural pro-am event will directly benefit the future of tennis in the New York City metro area and beyond.
For more information and to support this initiative, call the Empire at (561) 212-3744 or email michele@nyempiretennis.com.
